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Laser Squadron Maskman | Hikari Sentai Maskman | IBC 13 - 90's

Laser Squadron Maskman was a Philippine dubbed super hero kids show that aired in Intercontinental Broadcasting Company or IBC (IBC 13 for the Greater Manila Area) back in 1989 all the all the way up to 1999. Originally from Japan with the title "Hikari Sentai Maskman" (光戦隊マスクマン Hikari Sentai Masukuman), this tagalized super sentai series gained the hearts of Filipino children and adults alike during the 90's which up to this day holds a great sense of nostalgia to those who grew up with the series.

Laser Squadron Maskman or simply Maskman follows the adventures of five teenagers mentored by Commander Sugata, a scientist and sage who excels in mental reinforcements and is a master of every martial art. After discovering an ancient underground empire that plans to conquer the surface, it is up to Sugata to teach and train five youths in the ways of the mystical "Aura Power" energy which later gave them the power to become Maskman.

Filipino children growing up from the 90's will probably remember MAskman with its Tagalized (Filipino-rendered) opening and closing theme which was performed by singer/composer Mr. Norman Caraan. Mr. Caraan was featured in a special "Maskman" episode in the July 09, 2011 Episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

These Tagalog version of this popular Filipino-dubbed and performed opening and closing theme are based from the original opening themes:

Hikari Sentai Maskman Opening Theme (Japanese)

"Hikari Sentai Maskman"
Performed by Hironobu Kageyama.

Hikari Sentai Maskman TV Closing Theme (Japanese)

"Ai no Soldier"
Performed by Hironobu Kageyama.

One of the most notable characters in Maskman is a particular monster named Okerampa (originally Okelamp in the Japanese Maskman) whose only purpose is to raised human-sized monsters into giants for the Maskman mechs to pummel through. Okerampa usually leaves witty remarks after he has done his sole task.

Maskman will be forever in the hearts of most 90's kid growing up with such great kids show. I personally have fond memories where we have rubber bands and mimic or emulate that from Maskman. Looking back at it now, I can say it was pretty gutsy showing the five protagonists in white bathing suit in one of the transformations scene in a particular episode which was later cut.

What are your fundest memory watching this Filipino-dubbed super sentai series from Japan? Share your thoughts about Maskman in the comments section below: